Brig Gen David J Elicerio becomes the new 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Commander on October 2, 2010, at a 2 pm ceremony at the Rosemount National Guard Armory Elicerio will assume his duties from Maj Gen Richard Nash

Residing in Ham Lake, Elicerio has been a member of the Minnesota National Guard since 1980 He received his commission in 1980 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Minnesota Elicerio has served in a multitude of senior staff positions and commanded troop units at the company, battalion, and brigade levels He served as the Chief of Joint Military Affairs during the Minnesota National Guard’s peace keeping mission to Bosnia in 2003 In 2005, he commanded the 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division This unit was instrumental during the troop surge and served a total of 16 months in Iraq after being extended They are recognized as being the longest deployed brigade combat team Most recently, Elicerio served as the Deputy Commander for the 34th Infantry Division and completed his second tour to Iraq

"This Division has served us all well and is a critical component to our history and our future I am fully committed to my best effort and challenge each of you to commit to the same as we move through this transition" stated Elicerio

Formed in 1917, the Rosemount-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division oversees the training and operations of eight National Guard brigades in six different states The 34th Infantry Division fought in World War II and was part of six major Army campaigns in North Africa and Italy, amassing 517 days of front line combat, more than any other US Army division

In 2009, the division headquarters deployed to Basra, Iraq The Red Bulls commanded US military forces throughout nine of Iraq’s 18 provinces This was the first time since World War II that the division had established its headquarters in a combat zone The division completed three major objectives during their deployment: ensuring Iraqi Security Forces could protect their population and borders in southern Iraq; the development of civil capacity and economic well-being; and they set the conditions for a responsible drawdown of US forces in southern Iraq

“I have great confidence in your ability to command these great men and women Your leadership in Iraq was vital to our success, and this assignment is truly well-deserved" stated Nash

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MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED to attend the change of command ceremony

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.